The Rays moved closer Sergio Romo to third base for one batter

The Rays moved closer Sergio Romo to third base for one batter

Look here: The following photo shows veteran Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Sergio Romo, for the first time in his 14-season professional career, appearing at any defensive position besides on the mound:

Sergio Romo playing third base (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

You might guess that Romo lining up as an infielder must reflect something gone horribly awry for the Rays — some unforeseen rash of injuries or ejections. But nay. The Rays chose to have Sergio Romo play a shifted third base to start the ninth inning of their 3-2 win over the Yankees on Wednesday, with lefty-swinging Greg Bird at the plate.

Here’s what went down: With the Tampa Bay club leading by two runs and the Yanks threatening in the top of the 8th, manager Kevin Cash called on Romo to get out of a two-on, one-out jam. Romo yielded a sacrifice fly to Giancarlo Stanton then struck out Gleyber Torres to escape with the lead intact.

Because Bird hits righties well, Cash turned to left-handed reliever Johnny Venters to open the 9th. But with a narrow lead and righty-hitting Miguel Andujar on deck behind bird, Cash moved Romo to third base and third baseman Matt Duffy to shortstop, replacing Willy Adames. Bird grounded out into the shift, so Romo returned to the mound, Adeiny Hechavarria entered to play shortstop, and Duffy returned to third base.

After an infield single and an error, Romo got the final two outs of the inning to record the save. Needless to say, it is extremely rare for baseball players to earn saves in games in which they’ve also played third base.

Sergio Romo is the first player to play third base and be credited with a save in the same game since Joe Gedeon in 1913.

The Rays, who have also relied heavily upon bullpen games this season and used relievers as “openers” to optimize matchups, did something similar last month when they used lefty Jose Alvarado at first base in a 1-0 win over the Nationals. Arguably the most famous example of the strategy dates back to 1986, when Mets manager Davey Johnson alternated relievers Roger McDowell and Jesse Orosco between the pitcher’s mound and outfield during an extra-inning win over the Reds.

Though written off by many after a series of cost-cutting offseason moves, the Rays’ mix of innovative pitcher usage and plain old-fashioned baseball stuff has them two games above .500 and on the outside fringes of the American League wild-card hunt.

Look here: The following photo shows veteran Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Sergio Romo, for the first time in his 14-season professional career, (…)

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